The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1887-02-10
of whom carried his dead body hundreds
Of miles on his back, in order that it
might be given into the hands of kindred
and laid among Englaud's mighty dead.
School Journal.
Breckenridge and Benjamin.

Recently saw in a southern paper a
highly colored and sensational account
of the narrow escape and flight of Gen,
eral John @. Breckenridge and Hon.
Judah P. Benjamin in their hasty trip
through Florida in April, 1865, writes g.
correspondent of the Philadelphia Times.
Their fearful races and concealment to
elude capture, apprehensive of recogni-
tiop, dangers encountered, deprivations
and perils experienced, were all glowingly
portrayed. In the summer of 1875 |
met General BreckinEidge in Richmond,
and one Sunday afternoon We were sit
ting alone in front of the Ballard hotel.
I said that, if not unpleasant, it would
be gratifying to have him give an ac.
count of his escape after the downfall OF
the confederacy and how it occurred that
Mr.. Benjamin was separated from him.
He replied that he would cheerfully do
so, and said that after following Mr..
Davis some distance on the retreat he
became satisfied that Mr.. Davis had
selected the most dangerous route, and to
continue under his guidance, which he
persisted in, capture would be certain
and inevitable. II decided to pursue q
different course, and taking with me
some trusty men and as few as possible,
left Mr.. Davis and his escort and struck
off for the Florida coast. Socn after
ward Mr.. Davis, as predicted, was cap.
tured. Imet with some soldiers of the
federal army. They did not recognize
ne, and nothing specially occurred to
cause me to apprehend my arrest or
safety. passed squad OF them in a
gallop, but.no demonstration was made
against me, nor did they seem to be
aware Of who was" he said: "Hav.
ing been accustomed in early life to hunt
and travel at night in Kentucky, | re.
called the experience of my youth, and
adapted myself to change Of circum.
stances, travelling incognito and with
few faithful and fearless followers. In a
shor's time, with nothing specially peril
lous during the journey, we reached the
coast il safety. We then procured
small boat and a supply of provisions,
which were easily obtained, as was sup.
piled with some gold, and with a small
pocket compass, whichI always carried
with me, and with J. Taylor Wood and
two others in an open boat we started for
the coast of Cuba. In two days and
three nights of the most delightful and
propitious weather, we landed within one
mile Of the island, our only guide being
MY pocket compass. Captain Wood fell
overheard during the voyage, but was
soon hauled in, and was not, the least
Disconnected or alarmed. He was one of
the bravest of men. After reaching
Cuba found friends and accommoda-
ltions. remained there a brief time
and then went to Paris and back eventu..
ally to Canada. The rest you are no.
doubt familiar with"
"Where was Mr.. Benjamin ~ 1 asked.
"He remained with me only a day after
leaving Mr.. Davis. He was remark
able man; could adapt himself to any
society OF. circumstances; could speak
French, German and other languages
Auently. He travelled through the coun
try as Jewish merchant, and sailed
from Charleston, SO have learned"
I made memorandum of this conver-
sation at the time, and this is verba-
tim report.